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How to Pack Your Meds and Safely Travel With Type 2 Diabetes

Living Well

May 02, 2023

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Photography by Alba Vitta/Stocksy United

Photography by Alba Vitta/Stocksy United

by Gianetta Palmer

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Medically Reviewed by:

Jennie Olopaade, PharmD, RPH

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•••••

by Gianetta Palmer

•••••

Medically Reviewed by:

Jennie Olopaade, PharmD, RPH

•••••

•••••

If you’re planning a vacation abroad, here’s what you need to know about packing your insulin, going through airport security, and preparing for any emergencies.

Traveling abroad has always been a dream of mine, and now that the world has opened up again, I’m planning an international trip. One of the first things I do when planning a trip anywhere is think about the challenges I may face when it comes to packing the medication I take for my type 2 diabetes.

I take two forms of insulin — quick-acting and long lasting — and know approximately how much insulin I’ll need for a 1-week vacation, as that has been the length of most of my trips, with the occasional 2-week exception.

But my upcoming journey is nearly 3 weeks long, so figuring out how much insulin to take and how I’ll transport it with me will take some time to figure out. Here’s my plan and advice for you.

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Before your trip begins

Once you have a general idea of how much of your medication you’ll want to take with you based on tentative travel days, you’ll want to double the amount in case something unforeseen happens.

For example, a 1-week trip requires 2 weeks of medication, so I’ll need to pack 6 weeks’ worth of insulin to take with me.

This may seem like a lot, but it’s better to be prepared than to look for a pharmacy in a foreign country just in case your medication becomes lost or damaged during the flight to your destination.

Also, make sure to ask your doctor or pharmacy for copies of your prescriptions and, if possible, a letter from your doctor stating your diagnosis to help you get through security at the airport. Having copies of your prescriptions can help you access medical treatment easier if something happens to you while traveling or your medication becomes lost or damaged during your trip.

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Going through security at the airport

People with type 2 diabetes go through security checkpoints at the airport every day, but there are things you can do to make the process easier.

First, ensure all of your medications are in their original containers and packaging, including your insulin. Then, if you’re concerned about your insulin going through the X-ray machines, you can notify the agents and ask for your medication to be hand inspected.

In addition, the TSA has a Disability Notification Card that you can print and show to expedite the process through security. Plus, the TSA PreCheck program allows frequent fliers to enroll in prescreening, which limits the removal of shoes and jackets and makes the entire security screening process quick and easy.

How should I store my medication for easy travel?

It’s best to pack your medication and supplies in your carry-on luggage to prevent loss or damage during your flight.

While some types of insulin can stay at room temperature from 14 to 28 days, many choose to pack their insulin in small coolers or with gel packs.

I’ve transported my medication both ways but found the cooler bulky. Plus, on my last overseas trip, another traveler’s backpack squished my gel pack in the overhead compartment.

Presently, I use the Frio insulin cooling case, which keeps your meds cool through the water evaporation process. The products from Frio come in various colors and sizes and have helped simplify the packing process for my insulin. For my upcoming trip, I plan to purchase a larger case so that all my medications will fit in one case.

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Don’t forget your testing supplies

Other things I always make sure to save room for in my carry-on bag are my glucose monitor, test strips, and fast-acting carbs like glucose tablets and hard candies.

While leaving some of your supplies at home may be tempting if you have limited space, doing so can cause problems regulating your blood glucose levels. I have a small bag that fits neatly inside my carry-on bag, and it holds my testing supplies and Frio cooling case.

How should I time my medication when traveling through different time zones?

If you take insulin only with your meals, you may not have that much difficulty sticking to your regular routine.

But if you take long lasting insulin once or twice daily, the easiest way to keep yourself on track until you settle in a new time zone is by setting the alarm on your phone to the time you need to take your medication. I’ve learned from past travels that it takes a few days to adjust to new time zones, so having an alarm set helps me stay on track.

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How to handle an emergency when you’re traveling

While I’ve been lucky during my travels and have only experienced hypoglycemia on one occasion, I’m glad I was prepared and could take glucose tablets to bring my levels up.

To help handle an emergency when traveling at home or abroad, the easiest thing you can do is let others around you know you have type 2 diabetes. You can tell a travel companion, wear a medical ID bracelet, or pay attention to symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent bathroom trips, and lightheadedness.

The bottom line

Life with type 2 diabetes doesn’t mean you have to miss out on things you enjoy, like traveling and spending time with family and friends. Whether you’re taking a quick weekend getaway or preparing for an extended trip like me, planning is the key to ensuring you stay healthy and have a wonderful time.

Medically reviewed on May 02, 2023

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About the author

Gianetta Palmer

Gianetta Palmer is a blogger, copywriter, and essayist living in the mountains of north Georgia. Her reported features and personal essays on camping, health, insurance, and personal finance have appeared in numerous online publications. Connect with her at website.

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